2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited With Navigation Low Miles on 2040-cars

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2017 will be the year the connected car becomes a reality

2016 was full of talk of autonomy, but little action beyond crazy, futuristic concept cars and announcement after announcement from automakers. If this year's CES is any indication, 2017 is going to focused on connectivity. More than that, CES showed that traditional barriers between automakers are breaking down in favor of universal and open source technology standards that will benefit both consumers and developers. CES, traditionally a showcase for the latest and greatest technology and gadgets like flat-screen refrigerators or televisions that broadcast in the fifth dimension, has become so intwined with the auto industry that we at Autoblog cover it like any other auto show. At every CES event I attended and nearly every booth I went to, there was some talk, display, or demonstration of how cars will connect to your phone and your home, and eventually each other. It seems we're heading toward the tech singularity where all devices work under one cohesive ecosystem – the Internet of Things, if you like. The difference between autonomy and connectivity is how real the latter feels because so much of the connected tech on display at CES is either here already or will be here by the end of the year. There were dozens of demos, both big and small, that allowed us to test and explore what's on the horizon. Bridging the gap between home and car, Ford is integrating the Amazon Alexa personal assistant straight into its vehicles. That means you'll be able to talk to Alexa in your car just like you would through an Echo or Dot at home. It also means you can shop on Amazon by voice while you're driving (since that wasn't convenient enough already). Samsung is developing smartwatch applications for Ford, BMW, and others. Toyota is adopting Ford's SmartDeviceLink smartphone connectivity system for its vehicles. That means developers can have one app that works across multiple infotainment systems. The Linux Foundation is developing an open-source operating system that will be free to use, making it easier for developers to connect smartphones and apps across multiple manufacturers' systems. Automotive Grade Linux, or AGL, is available for download right now. Major automakers like Toyota and Daimler (who usually are set on competing with one another) are partnering to further the development of the project. Bosch, Hyundai, and Chrysler showed connected car concepts at CES that preview the future of automobiles.

The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid starts at $23,035

Good news, green-car fans: The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid starts at $23,035. That means it not only manages better fuel mileage than the segment-leading Toyota Prius, it's also around $2,000 less expensive. Or, for $30,035, an Ioniq buyer can choose to go full electric, cutting the gasoline umbilical cord entirely. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid scores an EPA-estimated fuel mileage rating of 58 miles per gallon combined in its least-expensive Blue trim level. Stepping up to the SEL trim will add an extra layer of luxury goodies for $24,785, and the top-level Limited model will cost $28,335. Those two models earn EPA ratings of 55 mpg combined, which is still better than the 52 mpg combined estimate for the Prius. Hyundai's Ioniq Electric is the most efficient vehicle sold in America, with an EPA-rated MPGe (miles per gallon equivalency) of 136. Its range, though, is only 124 miles, which will certainly limit its usability for some potential buyers. We've heard that an updated Ioniq Electric will come by 2018 with a range of over 200 miles, which would allow it to properly compete with the Chevy Bolt and upcoming Tesla Model 3. Toyota doesn't currently off a fully electric Prius, though the $27,985 Prius Prime does get a plug for extended EV-only driving. Hyundai has yet to announce a price for the plug-in hybrid version of its Ioniq hatchback, though we do know it will travel up to 31 miles on electricity alone. Related Video:

Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ecosport and Tesla profits | Autoblog Podcast #537

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Green Editor John Beltz Snyder and Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale. We talk about driving the 2018 Ford Ecosport and Hyundai Accent. Joel tells us why he loves the naturally aspirated engine in our long-term Honda Ridgeline. We discuss Tesla's profitability claims, Johan de Nysschen leaving Cadillac and a possible date change for the Detroit Auto Show. As usual, we'll also spend a listener's money on a car. Autoblog Podcast #537 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Driving the 2018 Ford Ecosport Driving the 2018 Hyundai Accent A love letter to the Honda Ridgeline's V6 Leadership change at Cadillac Will Tesla be profitable this year? Will NAIAS move to October? Spend my money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Earnings/Financials Green Podcasts Detroit Auto Show Cadillac Ford Honda Hyundai Tesla Used Car Buying Truck Crossover SUV Economy Cars Electric Sedan